Bangladesh Unearths 20,000-Year-Old Freshwater Treasure 800m Deep

• Scientists from Columbia Climate School discovered a vast 20,000-year-old freshwater reservoir 800 meters deep beneath Bangladesh's coastal region.
• This ancient water, accumulated during the Ice Age, is trapped beneath saline water and could provide billions of liters, addressing severe drinking water shortages.
• The discovery was made using 'deep-sensing magnetotelluric soundings', a technique that maps freshwater distribution by measuring electrical conductivity.
• The reservoir, estimated at 10 billion cubic meters, could quench the thirst of millions currently relying on arsenic or salt-contaminated water.
• Careful extraction is crucial to prevent contamination from overlying saline water, though scientists believe similar reservoirs may exist globally.

Why It Matters: Bangladesh finds a massive 20,000-year-old freshwater reserve, offering hope for millions.